OSHKI, SPU, Canadore, Sault establish partnership to build sustainable, culturally appropriate mental wellness services

A new pathway created by Saint Paul University, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute (OSHKI), Canadore College, and Sault College will open up new opportunities to Indigenous students and build capacity for sustainable, culturally appropriate mental wellness services in Indigenous communities. The partners have established a credit transfer agreement where students can gain hands-on skills through a two-year college program before entering and completing a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations in two years. Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program will be prepared for SPU’s Master’s in Counselling and Spirituality program. “We recognized the increased need for specially trained mental health and wellness professionals serving Indigenous communities in the north and we are happy to fill this need with this unique program pathway,” said OSHKI President Lorrie Deschamps. “The hands-on experiences gained by students is valuable to improve positive health outcomes for the communities we serve across Nishnawbe Aski Nation.”

SPU